Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 9 best beaches in California for families this year. If you’re planning a family vacation to California, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at the beach. With over 840 miles of coastline, California has plenty of options for families looking to enjoy some sun, sand and surf.
But with so many beaches to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. So with that in mind, let’s check out some of the good ones below.
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Map Of Californian Family Beaches
Here is a map with locations of the best family beaches in California as per below.
Why Choose California’s Beaches?
California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. With over 840 miles of coastline, you are sure to find a beach that suits your family’s needs. Here are some reasons why California’s beaches are a great choice for families:
- Variety of Activities – California’s beaches offer a wide range of activities for families to enjoy. Whether you want to swim, surf, build sandcastles or simply relax in the sun, there is something for everyone. Many beaches also offer amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas and volleyball courts making them perfect for a day of family fun.
- Scenic Beauty – California’s beaches are known for their stunning natural beauty. From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the sandy shores of San Diego, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to enjoy. Many beaches also offer views of iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Santa Monica Pier as well.
- Family-Friendly Amenities – Many of California’s beaches are designed with families in mind. This includes having lifeguards on duty, making them safer for children to swim. They also offer amenities such as restrooms, showers and concessions for the little ones.
- Accessibility – With so many beaches to choose from, you are sure to find one that is easily accessible from your location. Many beaches are located near major cities and tourist destinations making them easy to reach by car or public transportation.
Best Beaches In California for Families
Now, with over 840 miles of coastline, I am fully aware that within all of that distance that there are probably hundreds if not thousands of family-friendly beaches to explore. However, here are the top options for each region in California:
Top Family Beaches in Northern California
If you’re planning a family vacation to Northern California, you won’t want to miss out on the beautiful beaches in the area. Here are three of the top beaches in Northern California that are perfect for families:
1. Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is a popular destination for families because of its gentle waves and wide sandy beach. The beach is located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, and is easily accessible by car.
There are plenty of amenities available including restrooms, showers and picnic areas and you can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you need them.
2. Santa Cruz Main Beach
Santa Cruz Main Beach is a great option for families because of its proximity to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The beach is wide and sandy and there are plenty of lifeguards on duty to keep your family safe.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby as well.
Check out these: 10 Best Beaches in Northern California for Families
3. Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is a beautiful beach located in Santa Cruz. The beach is famous for its natural rock formations which are home to a variety of marine life making it a popular spot for tidepooling, and there are plenty of interpretive signs to help you identify the different species you’ll see. T
he beach is also a great place for picnics and there are plenty of tables and grills available.
Check out these: Best Tide Pools In California
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Top Family Beaches in Central California
If you’re planning a family vacation to California, you can’t miss the beaches in Central California. Here are some of the best beaches that you can visit with your family.
4. Pismo State Beach
Pismo State Beach is a popular destination for families with kids as it offers a long stretch of sand where kids can build sandcastles, fly kites and play in the water.
The beach also has picnic areas, restrooms and showers and you can also rent bikes, surreys and other equipment to explore the area as well.
5. Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a beautiful beach that offers a wide range of activities for families. You can swim, surf, paddleboard, and kayak in the water and the beach also has a playground, basketball court and volleyball court.
You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas to relax on the sand if you need too.
6. Cayucos State Beach
Cayucos State Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach that offers a serene environment for families. The beach has a long pier where you can fish and a playground where kids can play.
You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the water on calmer days as well.
Top Beaches in Southern California
Southern California is home to some of the best beaches in the world. From sandy shores to rocky cliffs, there’s something for everyone. Here are three of the top beaches in Southern California that are perfect for families.
7. Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is a beautiful, wide beach located in San Diego County known for its sparkling white sand, gentle surf and stunning views of the Hotel del Coronado. This beach is perfect for families because it has plenty of space for kids to play and build sandcastles.
There are also lifeguards on duty during the day, making it a safe place to swim and if you’re looking for a place to have a picnic, Coronado Beach has plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables. Oh, and it is also the beach where the pilots all played football in Top Gun: Maverick as well.
8. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a popular beach destination located in Orange County known for its crystal-clear water, tide pools and stunning cliffs. It’s a great place for families because there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
You can go tide pooling, snorkeling, or surfing or if you’re looking for a place to relax, there are plenty of shaded areas where you can set up a beach umbrella and read a book. Laguna Beach is also home to several playgrounds and picnic areas too.
9. Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is a wide, sandy beach located in Malibu known for its excellent surf and beautiful scenery. This beach is perfect for families because it has plenty of space for kids to run around and play.
There are also several volleyball courts and picnic areas and if you’re looking for a place to swim, Zuma Beach has lifeguards on duty during the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a paddleboard or take a surfing lesson locally as well.
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Safety Tips for Beach Outings
When you’re heading out to the beach with your family, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips to help ensure a fun and safe day at the beach:
Check the Weather and Tides
Before heading out to the beach, check the weather forecast and tide schedule. Avoid going to the beach during high tide or when there’s a storm in the forecast. High tides can make it difficult to find a safe spot to swim, and storms can create dangerous rip currents.
Watch for Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that can pull swimmers out to sea. They can be difficult to spot, but there are some signs to watch for, including a channel of choppy water, a line of foam or debris moving out to sea. If you get caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then swim back to shore.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
The sun can be intense at the beach, so it’s important to protect yourself and your family from harmful UV rays. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes, and seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
Stay Hydrated
Spending time at the beach can be dehydrating, especially if you’re active and in the sun. Bring plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate you further.
Know the Rules
Be sure to read and follow the rules posted at the beach. These rules are in place to keep you and your family safe, and to protect the environment. Don’t swim in areas where it’s prohibited, and don’t disturb wildlife or vegetation.
FAQs
What makes beaches ideal for families?
Family friendly beaches generally offer safe and gentle waters that are suitable for children of all ages. Most of these beaches also have lifeguard stations ensuring the safety of the visitors and the sandy shores provide ample space for kids to play, build sandcastles or simply relax under the sun. Additionally, these beaches are equipped with family-friendly amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, parking facilities and some even have nearby playgrounds as well.
Are there any additional costs or reservations required for family-friendly beaches in California?
Most of the beaches in California are public and do not require any entrance fee. However, some might charge a nominal parking fee, especially during peak seasons. It’s always a good idea to check in advance, particularly if you’re visiting a state park beach, as there might be day-use fees involved. While reservations are not typically required for beach access, if you’re looking to book specific facilities like campsites or picnic pavilions, an advance booking might be necessary.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 9 best beaches in California for families. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there are any other beaches that I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
